Pregnant Before the Royal Marriage

Chapter 875: Chapter 875: The Old Rebel_1

“I have no such plans.”

“…”

“Ha-ha.” The Emperor chuckled as he looked at him, “Speaking of it, you are the one who recommended Concubine Zhu to enter the palace, her promotion to noble concubine will also benefit you.”

“Your Majesty is flattering me. Indeed, I did assist Concubine Zhu, but her future truly has nothing to do with me. As the Senior Grand Secretary, it is my duty to advise you.”

“I have no plans to appoint any more noble concubines.” The Emperor’s enthusiasm waned, “I’ve been ignoring those people simply because I’m tired of it all. I’ve been emperor for so many years, constantly scrutinized by the officials, unable to make the slightest error. I’m human, not a god, truly I am exhausted. Why do they have to interfere so much? Isn’t it annoying?”

Jiang Ruobai understood.

The Emperor was rebelling.

Considering the Emperor’s age, wasn’t his rebellious phase coming a little late?

Jiang Ruobai wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry.

Regardless, since the Emperor doesn’t plan to make Concubine Zhu a noble concubine, Jiang Ruobai felt relieved.

At least he could explain this to the ministers.

After discussing official business, their conversation then turned to the East Palace.

“What is the Crown Prince doing at this time?” The Emperor asked Jiang Ruobai casually, while toying with a walnut in his hand.

“Today there is a lecture in the East Palace. The Crown Prince, the emperor’s eldest grandson, and the young Crown Prince and Princess are all attending.”

“Oh, there hasn’t been a lecture in the East Palace for a long time, right?”

“Ever since the Regent of the East Palace, the Crown Prince has been too busy to attend, so it has been temporarily suspended.” Jiang Ruobai paused, then continued, “Speaking of which, Your Majesty’s lecture has also been suspended for a long time. Shall we resume it?”

“My health isn’t good, I can’t endure the tiresome rituals of the lecture anymore.”

The Emperor gestured dismissively, indicating refusal.

The so-called lecture is a ceremony where the senior scholars of the Culture and Learning Pavilion teach the Emperor and the Crown Prince.

For a young Crown Prince, he would have a senior scholar from the Imperial Academy as his teacher, while for the emperor, these lectures that occur three times a month have become a ritual.

Each lecture often goes on for an entire morning, during which both the Emperor and the ministers must behave appropriately.

The scholars who give lectures have to talk continuously for several hours, it is indeed strenuous and exhausting.

The content generally consists of the Four Books and Five Classics and the history of the previous dynasties.

It is said that by learning from history, one can understand the rise and fall of dynasties.

As an emperor, one should understand these principles.

In short, this is a challenging task.

The Emperor used to be diligent when he was young, and he could attend the lectures three times a month punctually. However, as he got older, he became lax, often excusing himself due to illness. Up until now, these lectures have remarkably been suspended for five or six years.

As the Senior Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, Jiang Ruobai is responsible.

But his position isn’t the Emperor’s mentor, but a companion who grew up with the Emperor, thus he couldn’t behave like a teacher and advise the Emperor.

Jiang Ruobai himself is often worried.

That’s the way it is in the Imperial Court – once a loophole is opened, it continues to slip indefinitely.

Perhaps this is also the reason why many ministers secretly prefer to support the Crown Prince.

The Emperor was pleased with the Crown Prince’s diligence. He asked, “Since it’s a lecture, why didn’t you attend?”

“Your Majesty, Xu Guo is now responsible for giving lectures to the East Palace.”

Xu Guo is a senior scholar in the Imperial Academy, in his forties, with profound scholarship, being viewed by many as the successor to the Senior Grand Secretary Jiang Ruobai.

He is currently the Crown Prince’s teacher. When the Crown Prince ascends the throne in the future, it would be natural for him to enter the Cabinet to assist.